Principal Planning Officer (Majors)

London Borough of Barnet; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in London seeks a Principal Planning Officer (Major Projects) to lead on complex projects, engage with developers, and mentor junior staff. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Planning and exceptional knowledge of the Town Planning System. This role supports the Council's vision for efficient and effective planning services, offering flexible working options and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme

Work-life balance options including hybrid working

Lifestyle discounts

Broad range of payroll benefits

Excellent training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Demonstrable knowledge of dealing with complex major planning applications.
• Experience of negotiating and drafting Planning Performance Agreements.

Responsibilities

• Lead on major project work to support the Council's vision.
• Engage with developers and other key bodies on planning decisions.
• Provide support and mentoring for junior staff.

Skills

Exceptional knowledge of the Town Planning System

Experience of presenting complex cases to committees

Competent in leading negotiations with stakeholders

In-depth knowledge of legislative requirements

Education

Degree in Planning or Planning related subject

Job description

Overview

The Principal Planning Officer (Major Projects) is responsible for a caseload of complex and varied projects. They provide support and mentoring for junior staff across the service and are involved in project work across the wider Council. They act as leads on projects to support the Council's vision and to contribute to the delivery of an efficient and effective Planning service, including engagement with developers and other key bodies in the delivery of quality developments and a robust planning decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead on major project work to support the Council's vision and ensure delivery of an efficient and effective Planning service.
• Engage with developers and other key bodies in the delivery of quality developments and robust planning decisions.
• Provide support and mentoring for junior staff across the service and be involved in project work across the wider Council.

Qualifications

• Degree in Planning or Planning related subject
• Exceptional knowledge of the Town Planning System
• Demonstrable knowledge of dealing with complex major planning applications to deliver successful outcomes
• Experience of presenting complex cases to committees
• Experience of negotiating and drafting Planning Performance Agreements, and effectively managing their implementation to ensure delivery aligns with agreed terms and timelines
• Competent and confident to lead negotiations with stakeholders and communicate clear advice on proposals
• In depth knowledge of the legislative requirements associated with planning

About Barnet Council

Barnet is a borough with much to be proud of. Our excellent schools, vibrant town centres, vast green spaces and diverse communities all help make it a great place to live and work. As a council we want to build on these strengths as we move into the future. We are growing and developing as an organisation to meet the challenges facing our borough and we are committed to working with partner organisations and residents to make Barnet even better. As an organisation, our staff are committed to Our Values: Learning to Improve, Caring, Inclusive, Collaborative - which drive everything we do.

Benefits and equality

• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, which provides a valuable guaranteed income in retirement together with security for dependants
• Work-life balance options may include hybrid working, flexitime, job share, home working, part-time
• A vast range of lifestyle discounts from major retailers, supermarkets, energy suppliers and more
• Broad range of payroll benefits including cycle to work, eye care vouchers, travel and gym membership
• Excellent training and development opportunities

Employee well-being training programs including confidential employee assistance. To deliver Barnet Council's commitment to equality of opportunity in the provision of services, all staff are expected to promote equality in the workplace and in the services the Council delivers. As such we value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. For further information, please read our equality statement.

Barnet Council embraces all forms of flexible working (including part-time, compressed hours, and remote working) and is committed to offering employees a healthy work-life balance. Candidates are encouraged to talk about relevant requirements and preferences at interview. We can't promise to give you exactly what you want, but we do promise not to judge you for asking.

Barnet Council is a Disability Confident Committed Employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the Access to Work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply

All posts with the council are subject to a probationary period of six months, during which time you will be required to demonstrate to the council satisfaction your suitability for the position in which you will be employed.

Due to the high number of applications that are received for some posts we may close vacancies before the stated closing date if sufficient number of applications are received. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible.

Please ensure you regularly check the email account (including JUNK MAIL folders) that you use to submit your application, as any further communication regarding your application will be sent electronically. Should you not hear from us within four working weeks of the closing date for this post, then regretfully in this instance, you have not been shortlisted.